Solar Street Lighting for Host and Refugee Communities in Burj Hammoud
Project: Burj Hammoud, Maarach Neighborhood Solar Street Lighting
Service: Solar
Location: Maarach Streets, Burj Hammoud, Lebanon
Partners: Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) and UN-Habitat Lebanon, with the Municipality of Bourj Hammoud
Status: Completed, online since May 2021
The Polish Center for International Aid and UN-Habitat partnered on an initiative to empower the Maarach neighborhood of Burj Hammoud through solar powered public lighting, serving both host and refugee populations in one of Beirut’s most densely inhabited areas. FREE energy designed and installed the system, mounting panels on a church rooftop in the neighborhood to power five alleyways and communal spaces previously left dark by grid instability.
The hybrid system pairs an AC-coupled off-grid installation, powering street-level lighting directly, with an on-grid photovoltaic system that offsets diesel and utility consumption from the site’s primary meter. The 26.66 kWp combined capacity generates approximately 27,119 kWh annually, delivering around $3,997.52 in yearly savings and 17 tonnes of CO2 reduction, while improving safety, comfort, and economic activity for residents.
UN-Habitat’s own reporting on the Maraach regeneration effort independently confirms the partnership and the solar streetlighting component, describing it as part of a broader multi-sectoral urban regeneration approach for the neighborhood.
